SYDNEY: Australia’s pace bowling unit will give the tourists every chance of success in the Ashes series in England, but will not be able to win back the precious urn without some help from the batsmen, said captain Michael Clarke yesterday.

Clarke said the Australians would relish going into the series in July and August as underdogs and that, if fit, pacemen Peter Siddle, Ryan Harris, James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc and Jackson Bird would cause England real problems.

“We’ve got a good attack — there’s no doubt about it,” Clarke told reporters. “The squad of pacemen we have is a really good combination. They gel well together, they’re all a little bit different. But as batters, we’ve got to put runs on the board.”

Clarke added that he was confident his troublesome back would not prevent him from leading Australia for two Ashes series.

“I’m confident it will be no different to how it has been throughout my career.”